420 with CNW — Recreational Marijuana Measure Attracts Heavy Funding on Both Sides in South Dakota

The financial race surrounding the recreational marijuana legalization initiative in South Dakota was highly competitive, with both opponents and supporters gathering nearly equal resources. This set the scene for an intense debate while voters prepared for the November 5 ballot. Both sides have collectively raised around $915,000, showcasing the deeply split opinions across the state on the matter.

Advocates for Initiated Measure 29, which aims to legalize the use and sale of cannabis for those aged 21 and over, have secured about $458,000 in funding. The main group pushing for the measure, known as the Yes on 29 Ballot Committee, has raised $436,000, with $300,000 contributed by cannabis-related businesses. The largest single donation was $100,000 from GL Partners, a Rapid City-based medical cannabis dispensary.

On the opposing front, the Protecting SD Kids Ballot Question Committee accumulated about $457,000. A large share of this funding came from individual contributions, including a notable $61,400 donation by Brad Wheeler, a local manufacturer. Additionally, businesses within South Dakota collectively contributed $71,000 to the opposition’s campaign.

The significant financial backing on both sides highlights the importance of Initiated Measure 29, one of seven ballot measures voters will decide on this November. So far, the Yes on 29 campaign has spent approximately $217,000 on its advocacy efforts, while the opposition has spent a more substantial $371,000 on initiatives to prevent the measure’s approval.

The financial records show an ongoing trend where the marijuana industry heavily invests in efforts to support legalization measures across the country. Meanwhile, those against such measures often rely on local businesses and grassroots donations to bolster their campaigns.

As election day neared, the close fundraising figures signal a tight race. Both sides stepped up their campaigns to influence voters, aware of the potential long-term effects on South Dakota’s cannabis policy.

Neighboring states also contribute to the broader conversation about cannabis reform. Montana, for instance, has already seen more than $118 million in tax revenue from its legalized marijuana market over two years. North Dakota, looking at similar economic incentives, is proposing Measure 5, which promises job creation and financial gains. In contrast, Nebraska stands apart, lacking any legalization measures and emphasizing the varied regional perspectives on cannabis policy.

Without any restrictions on donation amounts, South Dakota’s campaign on this issue represents a significant and contentious vote, making November 5 a pivotal day for the state’s future approach to cannabis regulation.

Businesses like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) with interests in the cannabis space in other markets will be hoping that the will of the people wins the day once vote counting is completed.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Gallup Survey Finds US Bipartisan Majority Support for Cannabis Legalization Stable

Support for legalizing cannabis is showing consistent strength across the United States, according to a recent survey by Gallup. The findings highlight that a significant majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, continue to endorse marijuana reform.

The survey revealed a slight dip in support compared to last year’s figures, but the change falls within the margin of error and is not considered statistically significant, according to a Gallup representative. As voters head into elections where cannabis reform will appear on various state ballots, the poll indicates that 68% are in favor of legalization, while 31% remain opposed.

Breaking down the numbers by political groups, 85% of Democrats, 69% of Independents and 53% of Republicans support legalization. The survey also showed strong support across different age groups, with approval ranging from 74% among 18- to 29-year-olds to 56% among those 65 and over.

The 68% overall approval rate for cannabis legalization is a slight decrease from last year’s record-high 70%. Between 2020 and 2022, the level of support remained steady at 68%. The recent poll was conducted from October 1 to October 12 and involved 1,023 respondents, carrying a margin of error of ±4 percentage points.

In another survey released in August, Gallup found that the public perceives cannabis as less dangerous compared to substances like alcohol, vapes, and tobacco. It was also noted that more adults reported smoking cannabis compared to cigarettes.

Moreover, a 2020 poll highlighted that 70% of Americans consider smoking marijuana to be morally acceptable, a higher rate than for issues such as animal testing, gay relationships, and abortion.

In a separate set of polls conducted by YouGov in August, there was substantial support among likely voters in key swing states—Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania—for various aspects of cannabis reform, including federal rescheduling, legalization, and access to banking services for the industry.

The strong and consistent support for cannabis reform has not gone unnoticed by presidential candidates. Both major presidential candidates—Kamala Harris and Donald Trump—have publicly supported legalization—a first in U.S. history.

Recent surveys show that a majority of marijuana users plan to vote for Kamala Harris, although around 40% have indicated they will support Trump. Harris recently stated that legalizing marijuana is a top priority on her agenda if she wins, reinforcing her previous commitment to pushing for federal legalization and ensuring legal access to cannabis.

Trump, meanwhile, has also shown support for cannabis initiatives, endorsing Florida’s ballot proposal to legalize cannabis and expressing approval for federal rescheduling and banking reform efforts.

Firms like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) are probably not surprised by the data on the big fraction of Americans who support marijuana legalization since this same process played out across the border in Canada, resulting in a country-wide policy change.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Fighters in Nevada Are No Longer Prohibited from Using Marijuana

The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) recently removed marijuana from its list of prohibited substances. This change means that fighters in the state who possess, use, or consume marijuana products will no longer face penalties for violating anti-doping rules.

For years, cannabis was classified as a banned substance, and fighters were often penalized if it was detected in their system. UFC fighters such as Trevin Jones, for example, have seen their victories overturned, changing their records to no-contests due to positive tests for marijuana.

Additionally, in 2015 popular fighter Nick Diaz received a severe penalty for marijuana use: a five-year suspension and a fine of $165,000. The NSAC explained that the severe punishment was due to Diaz’s perceived disregard for the commission’s rules, not solely for the marijuana use itself.

Many fans saw this penalty as excessive, especially since Diaz was at the peak of his career following a high-profile match against Anderson Silva. The suspension effectively sidelined him for six years, frustrating fans who believed he was unfairly targeted over a minor infraction.

Now, at age 41, Diaz continues to fight, though many fans feel he should retire due to his health and age. Cannabis, however, is no longer a barrier to his participation, as it is now fully permitted for MMA fighters in the state.

The policy shift is particularly relevant in Las Vegas, where the majority of UFC events are hosted, including Diaz’s forthcoming match at UFC 310 against Vicente Luque. Fighters beyond the Diaz brothers have also been open about their cannabis use, often citing its therapeutic benefits for managing pain and physical strain caused by their demanding sport.

There are still steps ahead before the policy is officially enacted, as the revised guidelines need another review by the state’s Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB) to confirm they meet legal standards. After this, the state legislative commission, composed of six assembly members and six senators, will review the proposal and decide on its official adoption.

Other professional sports organizations at various levels have been reevaluating and updating their policies regarding marijuana in response to broader legalization efforts at the state level. For instance, the NCAA recently removed cannabis from its list of banned substances for Division I athletes.

Similarly, the UFC announced in December that it would formally remove cannabis from its updated list of banned substances, building upon previous reforms in this area.

The easing of restrictions against the use of marijuana by fighters and other athletes is a development that the wider marijuana industry, including entities like Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON), will be pleased about.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Kentucky’s First Lottery Selects 26 Businesses to Receive Medical Marijuana Licenses

Kentucky is making significant progress toward introducing medical cannabis as an option for healthcare in the state. Recently, 26 businesses were chosen to cultivate and process medical cannabis, which will soon be available for sale across Kentucky. The businesses earned their licenses through a random lottery held at the Kentucky Lottery office in Louisville.

Governor Andy Beshear expressed enthusiasm about the milestone, highlighting that all medical marijuana activities—from cultivation and processing to testing and dispensing—will occur within Kentucky. Further, he stated that the lottery was a step closer to providing safe and affordable access to medical marijuana for Kentuckians dealing with severe health conditions.

In his remarks, Beshear shared that the start date for patient access could be as soon as January 1 or shortly thereafter, as dispensaries and other necessary facilities begin operations. “A new day is approaching in Kentucky,” he noted, with safe, regulated medical cannabis soon available to support qualifying patients in managing their health conditions.

The Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC) executive director, Sam Flynn, shared that the state received 4,998 applications for business licenses related to medical cannabis, with 918 applicants aiming for processing and cultivation roles. Approximately 84% of these applications were approved for participation in the lottery.

Flynn further explained that the lottery approach was based on examining best practices in other states with established medical marijuana programs. “We prioritized creating a transparent and fair process from the start,” he added.

The lottery winners have fifteen days to pay their processing or cultivation license fees or risk losing the license. Once fees are paid, the OMC will officially grant the licenses, allowing businesses to start operations.

Under the program, cultivators will be required to grow cannabis in secure, locked facilities. They will then sell the harvested cannabis to processors, who will develop various medical cannabis products from the raw material.

A date for a separate lottery to award 48 dispensary licenses is expected to be announced on Thursday.

In September, the state took an initial step by awarding its first marijuana business license to a testing laboratory in Nicholasville. The facility is expected to examine products for safety and quality before they reach patients.

Eligible conditions include any form or stage of cancer; severe, chronic, or incapacitating pain; epilepsy or other chronic seizure disorders; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); multiple sclerosis or associated muscle spasms; and chronic nausea or vomiting that resists conventional treatments.

The entire cannabis industry, including firms like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be hoping that the roll out of the medical marijuana program in Kentucky goes without a hitch and gives patients who need those products a chance to access them legally.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — New Jersey Marijuana Advocates Discuss the Possibility of Increasing the Fee for Social Equity

Advocates in New Jersey are currently debating whether the state’s Marijuana Regulatory Commission should raise the fee directing revenue from recreational cannabis sales to fund social equity initiatives and support communities affected by past drug policies. The commission is set to meet soon to determine the fee rate that will apply starting January 1. Presently, the fee is set at $1.24 per ounce.

Four years since New Jersey legalized recreational cannabis, some advocates argue that it is time to increase the fee to $30 per ounce. New Jersey has some of the lowest marijuana taxation in the nation, according to Marleina Ubel, a senior policy analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective. She suggested that a cost of $30 would be practical and reasonable for companies.

Ubel stressed that the money raised by this tax is essential for the communities that were most negatively impacted by previous drug restrictions. She suggested that the revenue may be used to support after-school programs and other initiatives that would assist in reviving these areas.

The fee is a required part of the state’s cannabis legalization law and is collected based on the amount of cannabis produced. The law allows the commission to adjust the fee every year, capping it at a specific maximum as the market grows.

Although the commission has the authority to set and modify this fee, it can only recommend how the funds should be used, with final spending decisions falling on the governor and the Legislature. Part of the revenue must be directed toward initiatives that discourage youth from marijuana use.

The commission has conducted public talks on possible applications of the money over the last three years, coming up with ideas such as legal aid, expungement programs, social support services, and larger community reinvestment projects. None of the social equity fee funds have been used yet.

Proponents of the increase contend that without a larger fee, the program cannot have the desired effect. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey’s Ami Kachalia also supports increasing the charge to the suggested $30 per ounce. She believes this adjustment would enhance the state’s commitment to social justice by funneling more resources into Latinx and Black communities, who faced the brunt of discriminatory drug enforcement policies.

Not all parties support the fee hike, as some worry it may harm the growing market. Raising the tax, they contend, would encourage growers to raise wholesale prices, which would then force retailers and manufacturers to pass the higher expenses on to customers. This might then encourage more individuals to buy cannabis from unlicensed vendors.

Cannabis firms, such as Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), operating in different markets will be hoping that any fees added onto marijuana products in New Jersey don’t make the final product too costly for the people to afford since this would be counterproductive to all parties concerned.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Why Cannabis Firms Need to Give Branding Adequate Attention

A troubling tendency has surfaced in states where marijuana markets are regulated: businesses frequently offer their goods using identical or very similar trademarks. This overlap occurs because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) prohibits federal trademark safeguarding for cannabis products, as they are illegal at the federal level.

In the absence of federal trademark safeguards, marijuana businesses are left with little choice if they want to prevent others from using identical brand names or logos in different states.

This situation has created a unique issue in the sector where customers question if a product is from Company A or Company B when packaging or branding looks nearly identical. As more states implement regulated markets, new brands arise, raising the possibility of consumer confusion and underscoring the importance of unique trademarks.

Typically, marijuana businesses select a name or logo for their product, assuming it’s unique and unused by others, often without conducting a thorough search. Regrettably, this presumption may result in expensive legal disputes. Many marijuana business owners have encountered challenges over the years after discovering that their “unique” terminology, such as Dank, Emerald, Elevated, Canna, or 420, were already commonly used or connected to cannabis culture.

Businesses in the cannabis industry must therefore negotiate a challenging environment where trademark conflicts are inevitable until laws at the federal level change and the USPTO approves trademarks for marijuana products.

Once this happens, the shift will be both advantageous and difficult. The market will become more competitive as a result of the opening of the floodgates for new trademark applications, even though businesses will now have recourse to federal courts for trademark safeguarding.

In the interim, cannabis businesses should look at alternative brand protection strategies. Federally, trademarks are accessible for goods and services that do not directly involve the cannabis plant, such as select hemp-based goods, websites, smoking accessories, retail services, and non-infused products.

Cannabis companies can pursue trademark safeguarding in states where cannabis is regulated for their in-state offerings, like retail services, edibles, or flowers. However, these protections are limited to the state of registration, unlike federal trademarks, which cover the entire U.S., creating issues for companies that operate across state lines.

To further safeguard their brand, companies should consider other forms of intellectual property protection, such as patents, copyrights, or trade secrets.

One common misconception is that if a company hasn’t faced a trademark lawsuit yet, it won’t face one in the future. However, as the industry grows, litigation around trademark issues is expected to rise, with larger companies often leveraging their resources to protect their trademarks. When enforcement happens, smaller businesses may face the difficult choice between rebranding or engaging in a legal fight.

Many companies want the trademark to represent their product, but a more effective trademark reflects the company’s unique character, values, and purpose. A unique trademark enhances a brand’s long-term standing and helps it stand out in the marketplace.

It is also easier to defend, which makes it more difficult for rivals to violate the brand and guarantees greater recognition and protection.

With the proposed reclassification of cannabis to Schedule III and the evolving legal status of cannabinoids, more entrepreneurs are likely to enter the market, leading to a wave of new brands. In this dynamic landscape, a robust trademark is not just a logo—it protects a company’s identity. Starting early on trademark safeguarding can mean the difference between a smooth path to growth and facing costly legal obstacles.

For established companies like Verano Holdings Corp. (CSE: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF), protecting their brand identity is paramount since these entities have worked hard to get to where they currently are.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Scientific Review Finds Marijuana Lowers Chronic Nerve Pain

A recent review highlights the promising effects of cannabinoids, a compound in cannabis, in managing persistent nerve pain. According to the research, cannabinoids may offer substantial pain relief with few or no side effects, suggesting a valuable alternative to conventional pain medications for patients dealing with persistent nerve pain.

Published in the Cureus journal, the review underscores the positive impact of cannabinoids on pain control, noting their benefits as a more natural option compared to synthetic drugs. This could make cannabinoids an attractive option for people seeking alternatives to traditional medications.

The research team, which sifted through numerous studies, narrowed their focus to five randomized, placebo-controlled trials conducted from 2000 to 2024. Their findings show that patients receiving cannabinoid treatment reported significantly higher pain relief than those given a placebo.

According to the study, cannabinoids led to pain relief in about 33% of participants, compared to just 15% in the placebo group, as measured by an analogous analog scale. For individuals experiencing sharp, intense pain, using CBD in a topical form provided even more relief, based on a neural pain scale. Importantly, very few side effects were reported, underscoring cannabinoids’ potential advantages in pain treatment.

According to the study, for those suffering from neuropathic pain—a type of pain caused by nerve damage often related to HIV/AIDS, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, shingles, and sometimes as a side effect of specific medications or radiation—finding effective treatments is complex. Such conditions often require specialized care and intensive medication regimens. In this context, cannabinoids may represent a breakthrough in pain management, offering a potentially more accessible and natural alternative for long-term relief.

The researchers acknowledge that more data is needed to understand the long-term side effects and potential interactions of cannabinoids, particularly due to varying legal restrictions and societal attitudes worldwide. Despite these challenges, they point out that cannabinoids may offer a new approach to chronic pain treatment, standing out as a natural remedy with minimal adverse effects.

The study also calls for further clinical trials to determine the most effective formulations and dosages of marijuana-derived medications for managing chronic pain.

As medical cannabis continues to gain legal acceptance in various states, chronic pain is among the top reasons for its medical use. Reports from both healthcare providers and patients suggest that marijuana can be a powerful alternative for pain management, reinforcing the case for it to be more widely considered in pain treatment strategies.

Companies like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) that believe in the therapeutic potential of marijuana and its compounds will be pleased that many recent studies, such as this review, are confirming the medicinal attributes of marijuana.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Delaware Cannabis Business Sites Dwindle as Local Bans Take Effect

Last year, when Delaware legalized cannabis, legislators approved the opening of 30 retail cannabis stores across the state. However, despite licenses being expected this year and stores potentially launching by 2025, available locations for shoppers to purchase cannabis legally are declining.

Several cities and towns in the state have used a provision in the legalization law to ban marijuana retail outlets, along with testing, cultivation, and manufacturing facilities. Sussex County has enforced bans in towns such as Bridgeville, Seaford, Millsboro, and Dagsboro. Beach towns like Milton, Rehoboth, South Bethany, Dewey, Bethany, Lewes, Fenwick Island, and Ocean View have also opted out of allowing cannabis businesses.

Additionally, Middletown, Delaware’s fourth-biggest city, has passed a total ban on cannabis businesses, while Newark has made an exception for its Main Street shopping area. Dover, the second-biggest city in the state, is also considering limitations on where marijuana stores can operate.

Sussex County Council is utilizing another legal provision that enables counties to regulate aspects such as the number and location of cannabis businesses. The council has restricted cannabis stores to C3-zoned areas, which are designated for heavy commercial use. However, the law also prohibits any cannabis businesses from being within three miles of municipalities, churches, schools, or drug abuse treatment centers.

This zoning restriction effectively results in a ban on retail marijuana stores in the county since all of the C3-zoned areas are within three miles of restricted areas, leaving no viable locations for these businesses.

Meanwhile, in Wilmington, the mayor’s office issued a statement in September outlining its approach to cannabis businesses. Cannabis entrepreneurs would have little trouble opening their enterprises in different parts of the city if there were no local prohibitions.

The mayor, however, has expressed his intent to restrict cannabis businesses from operating near schools or neighborhoods. The proposal initially sought to ban these businesses within 100 feet of schools or residential areas. Permitted zones would include manufacturing districts, downtown retail areas, and commercial centers. However, the restricted zone was extended by the city’s planning commission to 300 feet, but it will be reviewed again this month before the council makes a final decision.

In New Castle County, the only current restrictions being considered are that cannabis stores cannot operate within 1,000 feet of places like schools, daycare centers, churches, parks, government offices, or drug treatment centers.

State Representative Ed Osienski, who sponsored the cannabis regulatory and legalization bills, has expressed frustration with the actions taken by most local governments. He stated that the original intent of the law was to treat cannabis stores similarly to liquor stores, which are common throughout the state.

Meanwhile, Robert Coupe, Delaware’s cannabis commissioner, has remained focused on processing license applications while staying neutral on the local zoning issues. Coupe acknowledged the difficulties created by these local restrictions, especially in Sussex County, but also noted that New Castle and Kent counties seem to be imposing fewer hurdles for cannabis retailers.

While the situation in Delaware is still very much in flux, industry actors like SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) from around the country that hoped for widespread access to adult-use marijuana products by adults wishing to consume those products could be getting concerned by the restrictive actions of local authorities with regard to potential locations for cannabis businesses.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Poll Predictions Suggest Florida Marijuana Measure Will Pass

A recent poll indicates that voters in Florida are likely to approve two highly debated measures on the upcoming November ballot: recreational cannabis and abortion rights.

The poll, conducted by the Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) at the University of North Florida, was released on Monday and shows strong support for both measures. Specifically, 66% of voters back Amendment 3, which aims to legalize recreational marijuana, while exactly 60% of voters are in favor of Amendment 4, which would secure the right to abortion.

For an amendment to be added to Florida’s Constitution, it requires at least 60% voter approval statewide. The poll, which comes with a margin of error of about 3.5 percentage points, suggests that both amendments are on track to meet this threshold.

Michael Binder, a professor of political science and the director of PORL, commented on the survey stating that after years of Floridians polling on cannabis legalization, it’s evident that the majority of voters are in favor. Binder also noted that support for legalization has risen slightly, gaining two percentage points since the last PORL survey conducted in July, where 64% of voters expressed their intention to vote “yes.”

While support for Amendment 3 has increased, the abortion rights measure has just barely crossed the 60% threshold, according to Binder. Currently, 32% of respondents are opposed to Amendment 4, while 8% remain undecided.

The survey results come at a time when Governor Ron DeSantis and his administration have been actively opposing both initiatives. The governor has even used public funds to finance public service statements from state agencies that criticize the amendments. This has sparked several legal battles aimed at stopping the amendments, though most have been unsuccessful so far.

Additionally, the Florida Department of State recently published a report accusing the group behind the abortion rights amendment of fraudulent practices during the petition-gathering process. The group denies any misconduct, and the report led to a lawsuit filed by an anti-abortion organization seeking to invalidate the results of the votes on the measure.

The PORL survey polled 977 likely voters between October 7 and 18, targeting individuals from the state’s 10 key media markets. The sample was drawn from the state’s September 2024 voter file and included both mobile and landline phone numbers. To qualify for the poll, voters had to have participated in one of Florida’s general elections in 2016, 2018, 2020, or 2022, or the state’s primary elections in 2020, 2022, or 2024. Those who indicated that they would “definitely”or “probably” not vote in the November election were excluded.

If the adult-use legalization measure passes, the launch of recreational cannabis sales is likely to expand the business opportunities available to not only plant-touching marijuana companies but also other ancillary entities, such as those operating on the same model as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR).

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

420 with CNW — Arkansas Supreme Court Says Cannabis Amendment Ballots in November Will Not Count

The Arkansas Supreme Court decided in a narrow 4-3 ruling that votes in favor of and against a plan to broaden the state’s medical cannabis program would not be taken into account. Protect Arkansas Kids, a nonprofit that joined the legal fight against the amendment—Issue 3, filed a case that resulted in this decision. The votes cast on Issue 3 will be ignored, even though it will still be on the ballot in November.

The amendment sought to introduce several modifications to the state’s medical cannabis system, which was initially approved in 2016. It sought to ease licensing rules, widen the range of qualifying illnesses and medical professionals authorized to prescribe cannabis as well as permit patients to grow their marijuana at home.

However, in its decision, the court rejected Secretary of State John Thurston’s initial complaint. The main argument of the complaint focused on paid canvassers’ training requirements. Thurston contended that the group supporting the proposal, Arkansans for Patient Access, did not reach the required 90,704 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot due to non-compliance with state laws related to canvassers’ training.

In his majority opinion, Justice Shawn Womack supported a second legal complaint that argued the proposal’s ballot title and popular name were inadequate. Justice Womack also objected to a clause in Issue 3 that would have permitted the holding of up to one ounce of cannabis if it were to be legalized federally. He argued that this provision was misleading, as it would apply even to those without a medical cannabis prescription, contradicting the popular name, which solely references medical cannabis.

Womack was joined in the majority opinion by Justices Bilenda Harris-Ritter, Barbara Womack Webb, and Don Curdie.

Meanwhile, Justices Cody Hiland, Rhonda Wood, and Karen Baker dissented from the majority ruling. Hiland contended that the initiative’s ballot title and popular name were neither insufficient nor misleading. He argued that the court’s long-standing legal standard for determining the sufficiency of ballot titles had been disregarded in this case and that voters should have been allowed to decide on the initiative.

Arkansans for Patient Access expressed disappointment over the court’s decision, calling it a setback for the state’s medical cannabis program. They reaffirmed their commitment to removing barriers for patients and reducing costs while accusing anti-cannabis politicians of ignoring the will of the people.

Conversely, Protect Arkansas Kids praised the ruling describing the ballot initiative as misleading. They claimed it was part of a broader effort by the cannabis industry to legalize potent, addictive drugs under the pretense of medicine.

The ruling is likely to be a disappointment to the broader cannabis industry, including firms from across the border like Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) since the issues that the ballot measure was seeking to address will persist until the next election cycle when campaigners can launch another attempt to enact change.

About CNW420

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com